Method and apparatus for producing spark discharges



NOV. 12, 1929. DUFQUR I 1,735,161

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SPARK DISCHARGES Filed May 27, 1927 [n mentor am W Patented Nov. 12, 1929 RENE nuroon, or rams, 'FRA Non METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING SPARK DISCHARGES Application filed May 27, 1927, Serial No. 194,834, and in Belgium June 8, 1926.

The present invention relates to spark-gaps and more especially to those of the type adapted to be used in connection with suitable condensers and the like for producing current for heating high frequency electric furnaces.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a construction in which compressed air is passed through the gap in minimum quantities.

, Another object is to provide electrodes which limit the spark discharge to a single point.

Further objects will appear in the course of the detailed description which will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. l a diagram in perspective of one form of sparlcgap;

Fig. 2 shows diagrammatically a rorm;

Fig. 3 is a constructive embodiment of the gap shown in Fig. 2 as seen in elevation;

second Fig. i represents a plan of the apparatus shown in Fig. 3.

Referring to the various figures of the drawing, there is shown a pair of electrodes formed of two thin circular steel discs a and a having the same diameter and mounted on shafts and b journalled in supports 0 and 30 0 The shafts maybe arranged so that discs a a are parallel (Fig. 1) or perpendicular to one another (Figs. 2 to 4) and are driven from a motor {Z through the intermediary oi? a belt driven speed reducer cl" flexible shaft 0 d and belt (Z Preferably, shafts b and 19 should lie in the plane of discs at and a re spectively and c are brushes carrying current to the discs and f, f a pair of blast jets mounted on opposite sidesof the spark gap. Jets 7" are adjustable vertically, on the rods upon which they are mounted, and horizontally bymeans of racks and pinions f", f". The apparatus is completed by a rack and pinion or otheradjusting device adapted to slide support 0 on suitable guides mounted on base 0 in directions toward and away from support 0 In operation, motor d is set in motion, rack and pinion 0 is adjusted to give the proper gap between discs a and a and jets f preferably, in nonconductive material are arranged to lie with their axes in the plane of disc a and so as to make equal angles with disc a Under these conditions the jets delivered from f will be longitudinal with'respect to both discs a and a and will intersect at the point where the discharge takes place. This arrangement has the advantage of limiting the discharge to a single point and permitting concentration of the blast on that point, thus eitectin a considerable saving in the consumption 0 compressed air. It is to be understood, of course, that this object can be best obtained when the discs are thin relatively to their diameters.

What I claim is j 1 1. A device of the classdescribed comprising in combination a first rotatable disc, a second rotatable disc having its axis of rotation in the plane of said first disc, said first and second discs lying in intersecting planes,

means positioned outside of said discs for directing a fluid blast against the'point on the periphery of said discs where the planes of the discs intersect, means for rotating said discs, and means for supplying current to said discs.

2. A device of the class described comprising in combination a pair of rotatablediscs lying in intersecting planes, said discs having axes of rotation which lie in diiierent planes, means for directing converging jets of fluid toward points in the space between the peripheries of said discs where said planes intersect, means for rotating said discs, and means for supplying current to said'discs.

8. A device of the class described comprising in combination a pair of: rotatable discs lying in intersecting planes, said discs having axes of rotation which lie in diflerent planes,

means for directing converging jets of fluid toward points in the space between the peripheries of said discs where said planes intersect and so that the converging jets lie substantially in the plane of one of said discs, means for rotating said discs, and means for supplying current thereto.

1. A device of the class described comprising in combination a pair of rotatable discs positioned so asto permit the passage of a,

V or

ion 2 spark therebetween, conductors connected to each disc and adapted to supply current to the discs, and means positioned outside of said discs for directing a blast of fluid substantially longitudinally along the line of passage of the spark between the discs. 7

In testimony whereof I have hereunte set my hand.

RENE DUFOUR. 

